Why You Should Titer Test Your Employees: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Compliance

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the health and safety of employees have never been more critical, especially for those working in healthcare environments or densely populated facilities. These settings pose a higher risk for the spread of contagious diseases, making it essential for employers to take proactive measures to protect their staff and the public. One of the most effective ways to do this is through titer testing, which can help verify immunity to various diseases. Titer testing is particularly important for employees in healthcare-related fields and offers significant benefits in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Titer testing is a simple blood test that measures the presence and level of antibodies in the blood, indicating immunity to specific diseases. This test can detect immunity to a range of contagious diseases, including:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Hepatitis A, B, and C

Employers can ensure that only those protected from certain diseases can work in high-risk environments by identifying which employees have sufficient immunity. Employees with low immunity levels may need a vaccination or booster to enhance their protection.

1. Cost-Effectiveness: Titer testing can save money by identifying employees with immunity, thus eliminating unnecessary vaccinations. Vaccines can be expensive and often require multiple doses, so avoiding redundant vaccinations can significantly reduce costs.
2. Health and Safety: Ensuring employees have adequate immunity protects them from contracting and spreading infectious diseases. This is especially crucial in healthcare settings, where vulnerable patients could be exposed to severe illnesses.
3. Compliance with Regulations: Many healthcare facilities require proof of immunity as part of their vendor credentialing process. Titer testing can provide the necessary documentation to meet these requirements, ensuring your staff can work without any regulatory hindrances.

Employees in various roles within the healthcare industry and vendors servicing these facilities often need to prove their immunity to certain diseases. This is not only a matter of personal health but also a compliance issue. Some of the job types and industries where titer testing is commonly required include:

• Pharmaceutical and medical device sales representatives
• Healthcare per diem staff (e.g., nurses and therapists)
• Durable medical equipment (DME) repair services
• Surgical equipment sterilization services
• Emergency rescue services
• Contracted janitorial services
• Delivery services

One of the significant advantages of titer testing is its role in preventing disease outbreaks. For instance, measles outbreaks have become more common in recent years, with numerous cases reported across the United States. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but recent years have seen a resurgence due to international travel and lower vaccination rates. Unvaccinated individuals or those with low immunity are at higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases like measles. Titer testing helps identify who needs vaccination, thus mitigating the risk of outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations for all healthcare workers to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Titer testing can ensure that employees are up-to-date with these recommendations, safeguarding the health of staff and the communities they serve.

DISA Global Solutions offers comprehensive titer testing services for companies interested in implementing titer testing for their employees. With an extensive network of collection sites, our services are designed to be convenient and accessible, ensuring that your workforce remains healthy and compliant. Titer testing is a valuable tool for employers, helping to protect employees, reduce costs, and prevent the spreading of contagious diseases. To learn more about titer testing services, contact DISA Global Solutions today to ensure your employees are protected, and your company complies with health regulations.

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Founded in 1986, DISA is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with more than 35 offices throughout North America and Europe, DISA’s comprehensive scope of services includes drug and alcohol testing, background screening, occupational health, and transportation compliance. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.